Medical Insider – Dr. Bryan Cepedoza
PERTUSSIS
(Part 6)
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): Good afternoon, Dr. Bryan. In our conversation last week, I asked you if there are instances when pertussis could cause death? And you answered, Yes!
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: That is true. I said that Pertussis could be dangerous especially if the patient has Whooping Cough and the coughing becomes persistent. This may result to hypoxemia.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): What is hypoxemia, Dr. Bryan?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Hypoxemia is a sign of a problem characterized by low concentration of oxygen in the blood. It starts in blood vessels called arteries. Hypoxemia isn’t an illness or a condition. It’s a sign of a problem tied to breathing or blood flow.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): Are there signs of hypoxemia?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Yes. One is the persistent kind of cough that causes hypoxemia. What does this result into? This means that the person can no longer breathe as he keeps coughing. When this continuously happens, the oxygen level in the body will become low.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): Really?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: There are those who will have seizures, convulsions. There are others, especially those with co-morbidities, that would really have a problem with persistent whooping cough. This is more especially with people who have heart problems. Our heart is sensitive to oxygen. When a person keeps on coughing and coughing, there is a tendency he will have low level of oxygen in the body. The heart will be affected here. This is one of the complications of Pertussis.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): Do you mean to say. Dr. Bryan, that we will have shortness of breath?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Exactly. One will experience rapid breathing. Others will have fast heart rate. Manglagum man gani nang uban ana.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): So hypoxemia is dangerous, then?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: This depends on its severity and duration. But we have to remember that hypoxemia can lead to mild symptoms or even to death. Like what I said, mild symptoms could mean headaches and shortness of breath. However, in severe cases, hypoxemia can affect the heart and brain function.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): Can a person recover from hypoxemia?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: There is what we call as Oxygen therapy. This can be applied to treat hypoxemia by using an oxygen mask or a small tube clipped to your nose to receive supplemental oxygen. So, it is important that your body gets more oxygen. There are many who will recover through this, by bringing their oxygen level up to normal.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): Is there a way to raise quickly the oxygen level of a person?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Based on studies, some ways to raise quickly the oxygen level of a person may include: Opening of the windows; getting outside to breathe fresh air; and going out for a short walk as this increases the amount of oxygen that your body brings in. This will also increase overall blood oxygen level and will even give you more energy. (To be continued)